Is this normal part of aging process?

[passinthru]

Hello, all. Perhaps I am too close to this situation to see the obvious. A family member who is 68 has no energy at all compared to say 5 years ago. He is active and does exercise. He may take a two mile walk, but then seems to be totally exhausted and nap/rest most of the day. He is under a doctor's care for diabetes and is well controlled with insulin. Recent lab work was normal except for elevated triglycerides and slight (hb 12.6) anemia. Is this part of a normal aging process? I am concerned because I feel that there is some other problem. Anyone out there have any thoughts on this? Perhaps I am just a worrier, hmmm? Thanks

[msdobson]

Wow, what a depressing statement.

Fortunately it's not true for all.

:yeahthat:

[swartzrn]

Well, my first thought was cardiac related and the second depression.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

"I'll take 'We're All Shooting In The Dark' for $400, Pat."

"I see your $400 and I'll raise you another $400"* ...

cheers,

Roy

* - Means: "I agree with you" :)

[Raeth]

I was just thinking that it sounds kinda like my father who has an arrhythmia. He is still active (working 60+ hrs/wk), but some days he is extremely tired, and many times if he sits down he'll fall asleep after about 2 minutes.

Sure it could be other things, that's just what it made me think of when I read your post.

[rn/writer, RN]

To passinthru,

I think you can see from our responses that there are many possible causes for the symptoms you are describing. Fatigue is not an inevitable symptom of aging.

The next step is for you to encourage your family member to go in for an examination. Go with him if that's possible. Describe what you have seen, relate your concerns, ask questions, request a thorough explanation of any tests that are ordered, and do whatever you can to assist your relative in getting whatever help he may need.

We've rounded up all of the usual suspects--depression, med problems, cardiac arrhythmias, etc. This should give you a pretty good list to present to a doc or docs (internist, endocrinologist, cardiologist).

The ball is in your court.

The thread will now be closed, but do feel free to contact staff or administration if you want to post an update.

Once again, your relative is fortunate to have someone who cares so much about him. We wish you both well with your inquiries.